Orissa MLA shot dead, Naxal hand suspected

A legislator of the ruling Biju Janata Dal in Orissa, Jagabandhu Majhi, and his personal security officer were shot dead by suspected Maoists at a public meeting in Nawarangpur district on Saturday.

39-year-old Majhi, a prominent tribal leader, who represented Umerkote assembly constituency, had gone to Gona village to distribute land pattas when the incident took place, Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj said.

Patta distribution was under way at a public meeting in the Naxal-hit area when about four unidentified armed persons stormed the venue and fired killing Majhi and his PSO, he said.

Involvement of Maoists in the killing was suspected and different aspects were being examined to ascertain the fact, police said, adding the site was close to Maoist-hit areas of Chhattisgarh.

The bodies of Majhi and his PSO, P K Patro have been taken to the Raighar Police Station and investigation was on, Nawarangpur Superintendent of police Niti Shekhar said.